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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






2. The interval between two notes. Two whole tones and one semitone make up the distance between the two notes.






3. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






4. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






5. The movement of chords in succession.






6. A short piano piece - often improvisational and intimate in character.






7. A form of music written for marching in two-step time. Originally the march was used for military processions.






8. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






9. A canon where the melody is sung in two or more voices. After the first voice begins - the next voice starts singing after a couple of measures are played in the preceding voice. All parts repeat continuously.






10. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






11. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






12. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






13. Group of singers in a chorus.






14. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






15. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






16. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






17. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






18. Pertains to tone or tones.






19. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






20. A string of chords played in succession.






21. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






22. A direction in sheet music indicating the tempo is to be very fast.






23. Includes all twelve notes of an octave.






24. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






25. Creating variation pitch in a note by quickly alternating between notes.






26. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






27. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






28. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






29. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






30. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






31. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






32. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






33. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






34. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






35. A rhythmic succession of musical tones - a melody for instruments and voices.






36. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






37. A group singing in unison.






38. A symbol indicating to play loud.






39. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






40. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






41. A style of singing which is characterized by the easy and flowing tone of the composition.






42. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






43. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






44. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






45. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






46. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






47. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






48. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






49. Dull - monotonous tone such as a humming or buzzing sound. Also a bass note held under a melody.






50. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.